Nov. 24, 2006

Ig Nobels Highlight Science Of A Special Kind

It's the day after Thanksgiving, and that can only mean two things: leftovers, and ridiculously crowded shopping malls. But for all you faithful Science Friday listeners, you know that it's time for our annual broadcast of highlights from this year's Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony -- recognizing the strange, silly, and stupid in the world of science.
This year saw the 16th First Annual Ig Nobel Awards ceremony. As usual, the Annals of Improbable Research hosted the awards in early October at Harvard University's Sanders Theater. In attendance were Ignitaries, a handful of real Nobel Laureates, and many amused spectators. Ten awards were given, to science that, in the words of master of ceremonies (and A.I.R editor) Marc Abrahams, "first makes people laugh, then makes them think."
In this hour of highlights from the evening's festivities, we'll hear about why people don't like the sound of fingernails on chalkboards, how many pictures you need to take of a group of people to ensure a decent chance of having one with everyone's eyes open, and lots and lots of inertia. Plus, lectures on topics from fractals to car safety, a chance to win a date with a Nobel Laureate, and a heaping helping of silliness.
This is a pre-recorded show, so please don't try to call in. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday! Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.